Head of Engineering

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy/Project Management

• Support the Engineering Director to plan, manage and oversee the Fleet Engineering Department, including all Company vessels and shore based sites (static vessels, offices, barges, moorings, ticket offices and stores/workshop barges)
• Establish effective fleet management data and reporting measures, which inform and drive the Engineering strategy and recommendations for change
• Develop, oversee and manage strategic engineering initiatives such as Zero Boat Emissions, the Hispaniola Site, Boat Grandfather Rights and other Environmental projects
• Assist the Engineering Director with planning and implementing the three year dry docking schedule in line with the budget and with minimum impact on the daily operation

Operational

• Ensure Operations Department have the maximum number of vessels available for daily service
• Prepare status reports and information to supply to the Management team and Directors
• Interpret requirements, identify and address design parameters and engineering problems and ensuring solutions are implemented
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives and practice standards for providing effective and efficient engineering solutions
• Continuously review departmental systems, processes and operational efficiency, making recommendations for change and development where appropriate
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with external regulatory authorities, suppliers and contractors

Compliance

• Ensure that all equipment on board vessels operates to MCA regulations.
• Assist in ensuring that all boat stability records comply with MCA requirements.
• Maintain vessels to the standards required by the MCA and those laid out in our SMS and meet shipbuilder/manufacturer specifications.
• Ensure that all vessels have the correct engineering paperwork and licenses which are kept up to date and are in line with MCA requirements.
• Monitor changes in regulations and technology that might affect operations and recommend and implement agreed actions.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of safety work procedures and rules
• Support all Fleet Engineering operations in Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with Statutory and Company policies including health & safety, employment law, legislative and environmental issues.
• Ensure engineering activity is conducted in the most environmentally safe way

Budget Management

• Budget Management – control cost to ensure expenditure is in line with agreed departmental budget..
• Manage boat repairs and maintenance expenditure in line with the company expectations and within the approved budget.
• Prepare, monitor and deliver capital equipment / capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects on time and in budget.
• Contribute to the annual budget plan for both expenditure and resources.
• Prepare detailed project and resource plans to support the CAPEX budget, controlling all key elements of the plan whilst ensuring company goals are met.

Team Management

• Leadership and development of the Engineering team
• Manage performance disciplinary and grievance matters of individuals within the team and liaise with the HR department for support.
• Exercise first line manager responsibility for engineering staff including sub-contractors.

Other

• Be an Ambassador for our RESPECT Service System & Values
• Additional duties as may reasonably be required

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level qualification in Engineering
• 5-10 years relevant industry experience (Marine Engineering)
• Extensive Project Management experience – gained in an engineering discipline
• A working knowledge of Health & Safety systems and protocols. A Health and Safety qualification is highly desirable.
• Substantial experience of working at a strategic level on complex issues
• Proven organisation skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proven experience managing project teams, delegating work assignments and managing workflow according to budgetary requirements
• Experience and/or knowledge of MCA regulations in the areas the Company operate
• Proven experience in successfully running and delivering on tender agreement projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skill with experienced in creating and maintaining high quality documentation
• Budget Management experience.
• Held previous position of seniority, able to establish credibility and build department accountability.
• Able to problem solve and demonstrate operational and strategic management skills.
• Experience of managing a large team with the ability to lead a productive and proactive Engineering function.
• Strong analytical capability to identify systems strengths and weaknesses, and drive for continuous improvement.
• Proactive and pragmatic approach to work with the ability to cope effectively with a high level of work activity and changing priorities .
• Experience of managing employee relations processes – desirable
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD) – desirable